Over the last decade, Lisa has served as Firmwide Managing Partner and Global Co-Chair at BCLP, a global law firm, managing the firm across 32 offices in the US, UK, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Under her leadership, revenue grew from $350 million to $900 million, while embedding a one-firm operating model across regions. Her emphasis on client-centricity, strategy execution, empowerment of high calibre teams and cultural integration helped transform a UK-centric firm into a top-tier global player.  

Lisa has a strong record of leveraging technology and data to enhance client service and efficiency. She led a firm renowned for its innovation, picking up industry awards for its pioneering use of technology and data analytics in legal service delivery. The firm also founded an ahead-of-its-time contract lawyering business (LOD) which, under Lisa’s leadership, was sold to private equity. More recently, Lisa set up and led BCLP’s unique new corporate reputation management service “Protect”, an integrated legal, PR and forensics service with Byfield, FTI Consulting and KPMG. 

Earlier in her career, she was a prominent employment lawyer and was one of the few nationally ranked “eminent practitioners” in Chambers & Partners. She is also a Meyler Campbell‑qualified coach and currently serves as Senior Independent Director on the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) Board. 

Gravita has partnered with seven firms since 2022, and now has offices in London, Oxford, Essex, Bristol and Exeter, increasing its headcount to 458, up >400%. Nearly 1,000 new clients joined the company across these regions last year, reflecting the company’s depth of expertise and high growth in key sectors such as property and construction, technology, healthcare and life sciences, financial services and not for profit. The business also demonstrated its commitment to nurturing existing talent in 2025, with 12% of employees receiving promotions, and ‘intent to stay’ in their most recent colleague survey increasing by 19%. These developments reflect the firm’s focus on building a sustainable, well-governed and attractive business for clients and colleagues alike. 

Lisa Mayhew, incoming CEO at Gravita, said: “I am delighted to be joining Gravita to drive forward the next stage of its growth strategy. I was immediately drawn to the company’s culture, its impressive client portfolio and ambitious growth trajectory. The business has already built significant momentum through its recent expansion, establishing itself as a leader in the sector with exceptional talent across the firm. Private equity investment in professional services enhances the client experience and provides exciting new opportunities for talented professionals looking to work together to serve the needs of clients both now and in the future.”  

Heather Swanston, Chair at Gravita, said: “Lisa’s appointment is a massive signal that we are a business with ambitious plans for the future. I have spent the past few months getting to know Lisa, and I am more convinced than ever that she is the right person to lead Gravita into its next phase of evolution and ultimate success. It has been a pleasure and honour to act as Gravita’s interim CEO, and I truly believe in the momentum we’ve built, the strength of our culture, the determination in our plans, and the calibre of the team driving them forward.” 

Tenzing Private Equity, the private equity investor in Gravita, expressed its excitement about the company’s future. 

Rob Jones, Investment Lead at Tenzing, said: Lisa has a strong track record of scaling complex organisations while maintaining a clear focus on culture and client outcomes. Her experience leading and integrating global firms is highly relevant to Gravita’s next stage of development, and we are pleased to be supporting the business as it continues to build on its recent momentum.” 

From the team at aaff:

As a result of the merger, aaff has been a member of two international associations during 2025; DFK International and PrimeGlobal. Both associations provide access to a global network of independent accounting and advisory firms. We can now share that we have chosen to continue with only one membership: aaff remains a member of DFK International.

Being a member of an international association enhances aaff's international strength. This enables us to provide our existing clients with continued and high quality support during international growth, and it positions us as a competitive accounting and advisory firm for internationally operating clients in the market.

Susanne Knol, director of aaff international, says: “We would like to thank the organisation of PrimeGlobal and its members for the trust placed in us over the past years and we greatly value the warm relationships that have been built. Over the years, strong ties have been established with the organisation and members of DFK International. With great enthusiasm and confidence, we look forward to further expanding our valuable collaboration in the period ahead.”

The appointments reflect Gravita’s continued investment in senior talent to support its growing client base with high-quality, specialist and joined-up advice.

New senior appointments:

• Genevieve Morris – Executive Member, Head of Tax, London
• Ian Cokayne – Executive Member, Chief Legal and Risk Officer, London
• David Gage – VAT Partner, Bristol
• Tanveer Mahtab-Ahmed – Head of Outsourced Finance, London
• Alan Sanders – Director of Audit, Exeter
• Sudhir Bance – Director of Audit, London

Genevieve Morris joins the firm as Head of Tax, bringing more than 20 years’ experience advising UK companies on all aspects of UK corporate taxation, including tax compliance and reporting, as well as tax advisory services such as overseas expansion, and mergers and acquisitions. Genevieve joins after a successful 13-year career with Blick Rothenberg, having previously spent nine years at Deloitte. She is a firm believer in coaching the next generation of talent, becoming a certified Coach last year, and helping to embed a culture of learning, something she is excited to bring to Gravita.

Gravita has also appointed Ian Cokayne as its first Chief Legal and Risk Officer, a hire that reflects the diversity of its client base, with both small to medium sized businesses and those with increasing scale and complexity. Ian joins from Grant Thornton, where he led the Office of the General Counsel and the firm’s Quality & Risk function. During his tenure, Ian was part of major legal transactions, oversaw high value disputes, investigations and partner matters, and advised on governance.

Appointed VAT Partner in Bristol, David Gage becomes the eighth member of Gravita’s dedicated VAT team. He brings more than a decade of experience advising across sectors including financial services, property, professional practices and not-for-profit organisations.  David also supports entrepreneurial and owner-managed businesses as they scale, helping them to ensure their UK and international VAT obligations are effectively managed.

Tanveer Mahtab-Ahmed joins as Head of Outsourced Finance from a Top 20 firm, bringing a people-first approach and senior leadership experience across both practice and industry. She is passionate about supporting businesses at every stage of their growth journey – from ambitious owner-managed businesses to established mid-market organisations, ensuring that all clients benefit from Gravita’s tech-driven approach to finance.

Alan Sanders joins as Director of Audit in Exeter with over 15 years’ audit and assurance experience, specialising in owner-managed businesses and complex assurance engagements.

Sudhir Bance also joins as Director of Audit in the London office. Sudhir brings over fifteen years’ audit experience and specialises in working with AIM and Aquis listed entities, as well as clients within the technology and creative media industries.

Heather Swanston, Interim CEO and Chair of Gravita said: “After a strong 2025, where nearly 1,000 new clients joined the firm, 12% of colleagues earned a promotion, employee sentiment increased by 4%, and our tech transformation accelerated at pace, these appointments signal, internally and externally, our plans for another ambitious year at Gravita. This is an exciting time to join the Gravita brand, and we will continue to invest in the very best talent across the UK, individuals who bring technical excellence, a commercial mindset, and a real focus on people and culture.”